Chapter 14-2

Knock on the door.

Jodha beheld at Jalal

Sukanya marched into the room excitedly and greeted cheerfully, "Good morning Jiji." Jodha responded with a cold smile.

Sukanya asked worryingly, "Oh, Jiji, you are not ready yet. Everyone is waiting for you." Then innocently, without thinking, she probed, "What happened to your flower jewelry? Why is it all smashed."

Jodha and Jalal stared at each other with mixed expressions of shyness and anger. Sukanya grasped instantly that she had asked the wrong question, so swiftly, she changed the topic. "Jiji, Masa is waiting for you and seems like you forgot we have to go to the temple."

"I was spending time with your Jiju; It seems he is too lonely in Amer. Can you please spend some time with your Jiju so I can get ready?" Jodha sarcastically requested Sukanya while rolling her eyes at Jalal.

Jalal released a deep frustrating sigh along with a disappointing thought dwelled in his mind, 'What is she thinking of herself? She doesn't respect me or my desire and now rolls her eyes at me.'.

Instantly Sukanya grasped the rift between them, with a lively act, she spoke with enthusiasm, "I would not miss a chance spending time with my gorgeous and loving Jiju."

"It would be my pleasure to spend time with young sweet, and beautiful shali(Sister in law)." Jalal grinned at Sukanya while strolling towards the door.

Sukanya teasingly asked, "Jiju, how were your night and chopat game?"

Sukanya's humble approach and understanding pleased him; he playfully spoke while observing the Palace's artistic side, "I wish I played chopat with my dear sister-in-law instead of your Jiji."

Sukanya blushed at his response. "Ohhh, Jiju, you and Jodha Jiji are a perfect match. No one can beat both of you in bantering."

Raja Bhamal's nervous words strained to Jalal's sharp ears. 'Why Jodha is taking too long; we are going to miss the auspicious prayer time.'

As soon as Raja Bharmal saw Jalal walking in the hall, King himself, along with everyone else, got up from the couch to welcome him. The king greeted Jalal in a polite tone, "Good Morning Jamaisa, Happy Holi!"

Jalal also greeted courteously while looking at everyone, "Good Morning, Happy Holi."

Everyone sat after Jalal took his place on a couch. With excitement, King Bharmal explained, "Jamaisa, on every Holi, we all go to Kali ma temple in the morning to pray; it's a ritual we all follow."

Mainavati asked in a very faint tone, "Sukanya, where is Jodha?"

"Masa Jiji is getting ready; it will take her a little more time," Sukanya responded while looking at Jalal with a concealed smirk.

Mainavati smiled with an awkward look at Jalal. Mainavati mumbled to herself, 'Jodha, it's time for prayer, and you still not ready' she sighed loudly.

At last, Mainavati spoke with hesitation, "Raja sahib (King Bharmal), we need to leave now; otherwise, the auspicious time for the prayer will be missed."

When King Bharmal nodded, Queen Mainavati instructed, "Sukanya, you come with Jodha later."

Sukanya pouted, "But Masa... I have been ready since this morning."

Her heart sank at the thought, 'She won't be in the palace when Surya arrives.'

Seeing Sukanya's pale face, Jalal offered, "Don't worry about Jodha; I will bring her to the temple. You all continue."

King Bharmal got shocked at Jalal's declaration; he responded with a confused, mumbled tone, "But Shahenshah, it's a Hindu temple. It will create many issues, don't worry, I will arrange for Jodha to come to the temple.

"King Bharmal, don't worry, I will bring Jodha," Jalal confirmed in an assuring tone.

King Bharmal's face turned pale at his statement. He nervously stated, "I appreciate the gesture, Jamaisa" then they all left for the temple.

Jodha got ready and came out to the main hall with pooja thal and saw only Jalal was there; she inquired, "Where is everyone?"

"They all went to the temple," Jalal responded in an impassive tone.

"Ohh... What about me? How will I go?" Jodha asked in a sad tone.

"Don't worry; I will take you to the temple," He calmly responded.

"No! It would be best if you don't come to the temple," she said tetchily with a little anger in her eyes.

I am just too worn-out; she is defying me for whatever I say. She is testing my patience.

Jalal, with a confused expression, asked, controlling his fury, "Why not?"

"I don't want to discuss it... but you are not coming to the Kali Malta temple." Her tone was filled with resentment and bitterness.

With his sharp memory, Jalal recalled how his soldiers ruined the Kali Mata temple in Amer and took all the Jewelry from there, and Jodha fought with those soldiers. And that was the first time he heard about Jodha.

While beholding in her eyes, he spoke in a regretting tone, "I know why you don't want me to visit the temple. The past was shameful, which I understand now; I was wrong and disrespectful towards the Hindu religion. After seeing your devotion to God, my thinking has changed towards all religions. I wholeheartedly regret my past action. But at that time, I never thought I was hurting Hindu people's feelings. I hated Rajvanshi then and took revenge; my soldiers did this crime."

"Shahenshah, I took a pledge in front of Kali Ma that I will cut your head and bring it to her feet for dishonoring her respect. And look at my destiny, I am so helpless, for the same person I am putting sindoor in my maang for his long life." Tears dribbled from her face.

"Jodha, please take me to the temple." He responded sadly, in a pleading tone.

Without any communication, in silence, Jodha and Jalal reached the temple. With respect, Jalal took off his shoes, crown, and sword, and gave it to Abdul; then Jalal went inside the temple. His action shocked and surprised her. Going to the Hindu temple could create a big controversy politically; she knew he would face Mughal priest detesting. Due to security reasons, no one else was allowed in the temple other than the temple priest and Royal family members. After a few minutes of prayer, Jodha bowed down towards Kali Mata then began to do Aarti with a melodious sound.

After the Aarti, Jalal went near Mata's statue and apologized gently for his immorality and sin. He bowed down for his mistake and promised that he will always respect all religions, and requested forgiveness on behalf of Jodha for not keeping her promise.

Jodha again got another shock seeing him bowing down with guilt.

The temple priest watched how Jalal pleaded to Mata for forgiveness; his words and genuine guilt touched the priest's heart. He came near Jodha and Jalal, and he spoke courteously, "Shahenshah, you have poured your heart out to Goddess Mata and put your ego aside and bowed down to her. Jodha's pledge was to your head down under goddess feat, and while bowing down, you have fulfilled her promise. Kali Mata forgives those who repent honestly.

Seeing this significant change in Jalal, tears trolled down from Jodha's eyes. She could feel the shift in Jalal. When they got married, he was an arrogant and egotistic king who didn't care about anyone else than himself, but little by little, his heart was gradually opening towards humanity. They both got blessings from the priest for a long and happy married life. After his confession and apology for his deed to the goddess, Jalal felt relieved and blissful.

Both of them reached the Palace in silence. Moti came running to Jodha while panting; she informed Jodha in a thrilling tone, "Prince Suryavadan and his sister princess Lilavati with her husband, they have arrived. And Prince Dharam Singh and his sister Princess Kanika will be reaching here any time."

Jodha's face glowed in a flash, and sorrow disappeared. Her lips curved with a genuine smile. "Where are they?" She asked impatiently

"They all are in the big hall with Raja Sahib," Moti informed.

Jodha excitedly began to walk faster towards the hall. Jalal observed her expression and excitement bitterly. In the anticipation to see her friends, she forgot that she was walking with Jalal, disregarding him she almost ran and reached the main hall and loudly shouted "Lila" wrapped her hands and hugged her tightly. Soon both of them recovered and wished each other for their wedding. Lila introduced her husband, King Sangram Singh, to Jodha.

Jodha realized that she completely forgot about Jalal in the excitement; she swiftly turned back to see him and saw Jalal was watching her impassively from the passage. Jodha very politely requested, "Shahenshah, can you please come inside? I would like to introduce you to my best childhood friends."

Even though Jodha's childish act bruised Jalal's ego, he ignored it and walked inside gracefully with an impassive expression while scanning every person in the hall.

Jodha introduced Jalal to Lila and King Sangram Singh, and then she introduced prince Surya Vadan. Jalal got impressed with his personality; he thought, 'Prince Surya indeed looks royal.'

"I have heard a lot about you, Prince Surya Vadan..." Jalal said in a cynical tone. His eyes had dark, mysterious anger.

Surya began a conversation in a casual tone, "Please call me Surya. I have heard a lot about you, Shahenshah E Hindustan."

After a brief pause, he spoke in a chilled sarcastic voice while looking straight in Jalal's eyes, "Shahenshah, so finally, from your eventful life, you spared your precious time for Jodha, to take her back to Agra."

Jalal felt someone poured burning oil in his ears. He replied, mirroring his tone, "Of course, Surya! How can I leave her here alone?"

Surya haughtily countered, "Shahenshah, you are mistaken; she is not alone here; she has many close friends and her family here with her. I am sure she is feeling more lonely in Agra than here," then angrily, he added, "What took you so long?"

His tone, His concern, and his overprotective attitude towards Jodha, Jalal's Jealousy began to roast; He heatedly countered, "Sounds like you are worried more than you need to for your close friend." Jalal gritted his teeth while responding.

Surya responded proudly while looking at Jodha with deep care in his eyes, "Yes! I do admit Shahenshah; I can't see tears in Jodha's eyes."

Jalal's furious eyes lingered on Jodha; To conceal his boiling fury, he inhaled sharply.

Jodha shivered to see his calm demeanor look. She realized the inflammation between Jalal and Surya; both were about to burst with fire. Before anything goes wrong, Jodha came in between to control the situation and told everyone, "I think it's time for lunch; let's eat first, then we have the whole day to chat."

Jalal released a deep breath while walking toward the dining hall, but along with a horrific thought, dwelled in his mind. 'Jodha is too immature; she has seen how I am being treated in Agra. Hundreds of people surround me to assist; The Scholars, the kings, administrators, ministers wait for days to meet with me. My queens starve to see my gaze. My every word counts as the supreme verdict. I have bent down for Jodha so much that her friend treats me as an ordinary husband; how dare Surya questioned my intention. Jodha, I don't know how long I will be able to keep my calm. I accepted the humiliation when you were upset with me; I accepted you do not want to consume relation with me, but I can't tolerate you and your friend does not respect me. Rukaiya is way more matured when it comes to showing power and authority. It would be best if you learn to respect me as a king and your husband.'

In a very gentle and caring voice, Surya asked Jodha while beholding her without a blink, "Jodha, how are you doing?"

Without putting much thought to the answer, she responded to Surya with a thrilling voice, "Much better after seeing you all."

Jalal viciously smirked at her word. The way Jodha looked so comfortable with Surya, her words, her actions, slowly driving him towards the edge; she was fueling his Jealousy and anger.

While they were going towards the Dining Hall, Prince Dharma and Kanika entered the hall. Jodha greeted Dharma warmly and casually to Kanika then introduced them to Jalal.

Kanika viewed Jodha with envy in her eyes. "Jodha, you are so fortunate to have a Majestic King as your husband." Her eyes rested at Jalal lustfully. While staring at him, she muttered, "He is not only strikingly handsome and good looking, but he is a supreme king of Mughal Dynasty, Shahenshah -e- Hindustan, and you are the queen of Hindustan. Commendation, Jodha." Her shrilling orbs were drooling all over Jalal and his robust personality.

The way Kanika praised Jalal and the way she glanced over him put fire in Jodha's heart. In a sarcastic tone, she snapped, "Yes Kanika, I am fortunate to have a husband like him, who has five hundred queens and five thousand concubines in his harem and can still marry again," with a taunt, she added, "You also have a chance my dear Kanika!" The words spilled out much sharper than she expected.

"Good to know that I still have a chance." Kanika winked at Jalal with a tease to annoy Jodha.

Jodha never liked Kanika; they always clashed with arguments and fights. Kanika also hated Jodha throughout her life as her supreme competitor. Although Kanika was beautiful and talented, Jodha beat her in every challenge. Therefore, she was ever ready to put Jodha down in front of others.

Jalal looked at Jodha with an angry stare. Seeing his calm and cold demeanor, she realized she crossed her confine; her words were too sharp in front of her friend. She softly invited everyone to the lunch table.

Jalal noticed while eating, Surya was often staring at Jodha and strived to interact with her. All of his attention was towards Jodha only. In a sincere tone, Surya stated, "Jodha, you look much better than two weeks before. I am glad to see you at least outside."

"Oh... So, you came to visit Jodha two weeks ago?" Jalal stopped eating and queried in an exasperated tone.

"She needed a friend, so I was here to stand by. Probably you don't even care what she was going through; you have too many queens to worry about." He heatedly responded.

"Seems like being an opportunist, you don't miss any chance to please your friend. But let me clarify yes, I do have many queens to worry about, but Jodha is my one of my closest one, and she is mine and only mine to worry." Jalal replied in a calm but stern tone.

To relieve stiffness, Jodha cheerfully said to all, "I am so glad you all came; we will have so much fun together."

Jalal's retort shook everyone. Everyone simply smiled and nodded.

Jalal was burning in the fire, the way Surya was taking care of Jodha, making sure she eats enough, and Jodha was equally paying her attention to him. She seemed so content and free around him. Kanika was irritating Jalal while repetitively asking silly questions about Agra and how he feels about being so superior and all. He is a man of few words, not used to talking informally with an acquaintance. Here he felt ordinary, and outsider and Kanika's annoying behavior pushed him to the limit.

Jodha observed how Kanika was persistently staring at Jalal and interacting with him to impress him, which maddened Jodha.

Since morning Jodha's behavior was outrageous, and after seeing Surya, it added to his fume. On top of it, Jodha's sarcasm while talking to Surya and Kanika bothered Jalal. So, to ignore Jodha, Jalal began to flirt with Kanika. Jalal looked at Kanika with an intense gaze and showed extra interest in her.

Jalal overlooked everyone and praised, "Kanika, you have exceptional taste in Jewelry and clothes. Your Jewelry seems unique and antique. Let me see your bracelet; It's out of the ordinary; I will order the same for my beloved queen Rukaiya."

His beloved queen Rukaiya's piercing words reverted to her heart. Jodha's attention ultimately diverted from others to Jalal. Jalal's sudden attention towards Kanika alarmed her. It was too shocking for her to see him praising her. She thought I have to force him to even talk with me and look at how he is drooling over her, and he never said a word about my dress or Jewelry. With squinted eyes, she gave him an irritated gaze. Jalal saw her upset expression with his cornered eyes. He disregarded her and asked, "Kanika, tell me, do you like Holi?"

Kanika, with her sassy regal arrogant attitude, tweeted, "Oh!! No... Not at all, Shahenshah... I hate Holi. you know it's so messy; I don't want to ruin my skin with all these colors??"

While looking at everyone, Jalal revealed, "I am glad you all are here; this is the first time I will celebrate Holi. Let's hope we all have fun celebrating Holi together." At the end of the sentence, Jalal looked at Kanika and stated, "Right, Kanika."

In a luring tone, Kanika crooned, "Oh sure,...Shahenshah, if you are willing, then I have no problem playing Holi with you. we will have lots of fun."

Now it was Jodha's turn to get jealous, seeing Jalal taking extra interest in Kanika; she fumed. She responded tetchily, " But Kanika, you just said you don't play Holi; it's so messy, and what about your skin?"

To tease Jodha more, Jalal replied instantly, "This time, Kanika will play Holi with us, right, Kanika?"

Kanika excitedly replied, "Oh sure, Shahenshah, I would do anything to please you!"

Jalal, with his impassive face, smirked at Jodha harmlessly as if nothing happened.

Finally, after lunch, they all decided to rest for a while and get back together in two hours.

Jodha casually said, "Shahenshah, why don't you also take a rest?"

With a mysterious smile, Jalal spoke, "I had a sound sleep yesterday with my beautiful queen after many weeks; I am not at all tired; I will go and finish some priority task with Abdul" Jalal watched

Jodha also smirked at his statement and blushed, recalling sleeping in his arms. Everyone else left with Jalal other than Lilavati.

From childhood, Jodha and Lila were best mates. They shared every single secret of their life. "It's been a long time we have talked; if you are not tired, we can sit outside in the fresh air; it is a beautiful day today." Lila requested.

Jodha happily agreed, and they both went outside and sat on a bench. Outside the main hall, they sat on a bench. Jalal was in the main hall, sitting on a daybed waiting for Abdul, he heard a Jodha's voice from the window. He saw Jodha and Lilavati sitting outside, talking to each other. The daybed was so near the window that he could hear their conversation.

Jodha cheerfully said, "Oh...Leela, I am so happy to see you here again. I can't believe we both are married and resting together alone on the same bench and chatting."

"You are right Jodha, just in several months, everything has changed. I have wept and missed you so much. I wanted to come to see you when I heard about your fiancé Suryapratap Singh's death and your sudden wedding, but my father was against your wedding, so he didn't allow me to attend your wedding. I cried, I begged, but it didn't work; I regretted it so much when my friend was in need, and I was not there. I was helpless; please forgive me, Jodha." Lila's tears started flooding out.

Jodha wiped her tears and said, "Forget about the past. It was my destiny, and I don't feel regret for it. I was chosen to save my land, and I am proud of myself for saving my Amer at the cost of my dreams."